News Briefs

Decrease reported in Labor Day deaths

LANSING – The Michigan State Police say that preliminary reports indicate six people lost their lives in six separate traffic crashes during the 2012 Labor Day holiday weekend. In comparison, 12 people died in traffic crashes during the 2011 Labor Day holiday weekend.

One of the six victims was known to have used restraints, and alcohol was a known factor in one of the six fatal crashes.

“These numbers are preliminary and only reflect those fatalities reported to the MSP as of noon, Tuesday, Sept. 4, 2012,” stated Captain Kari Kusmierz, commander of the MSP Training Division. “The preliminary numbers show a decrease in fatalities from this same holiday period last year. The MSP continue to urge motorists to not drink and drive, to always use proper restraints, and to drive safely at all times.”

The 2012 Labor Day holiday weekend ran from 6 p.m. on Aug. 31, through midnight on Sept. 3.

The Miss Upper Peninsula Pageant is an Official Miss Universe Organization Official Preliminary to the Miss Michigan USA and Miss Michigan Teen USA Pageants. The winners of Miss Upper Peninsula USA and Miss Upper Peninsula Teen USA will advance to compete at the state pageant.

Contestants will compete in three categories: swimwear, evening wear, and interview competitions.

Contestants in the MISS category must be at least 18 and under 27 years of age by Feb. 1, 2014. Contestants in the TEEN category must be at least 14 and under 19 years of age by Feb. 1, 2014

MANISTIQUE – The Manistique Community Orchestra is here once again. The group will hold its first fall rehearsal on Sept. 22, from 10 a.m. until noon, in the community room of the First Baptist Church on Walnut Street.